A new study has found that exceptional speed prior to formal training is a prerequisite for becoming a world-class sprinter.
According to the research by Grand Valley State University, the developmental histories of elite sprinters contradict the popular deliberate practice model of expertise, which suggests that there is no such thing as innate talent.
The research, conducted by Michael Lombardo, professor of biology, and Robert Deaner, associate professor of psychology, has shown that 10 years of deliberate practice, which roughly means 10,000 hours, are necessary and sufficient for anyone to become an expert in any field, including sports.
The findings are published in the online journal PeerJ.
